In the 1920's, author Virginia Woolf lectured and wrote to advance the cause of women's freedom. In her essay, "A Room of One's Own," she states, "A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction." I propose the same to be true If a woman is to sew. As I rode from … [Read more...]
PASTORAL VISIT TO SAN MIGUEL, TOTONICAPAN
August 23, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
PASTORAL VISIT TO SAN MIGUEL, TOTONICAPAN Father John Chakos The Orthodox Church in Guatemala belongs to the indigenous people. They are the Mayans who were conquered by the Spaniards 500 years ago, but who continue to live proudly and nobly in accordance with the customs and traditions of … [Read more...]
ASCENT TO TOQUIAN: AN ETHEREAL PASSAGE
August 19, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
ASCENT TO TOQUIAN: AN ETHEREAL PASSAGE Father John Chakos Our recent missionary journey with Archbishop Athenagoras took us to Toquian, Mexico, a tiny border town perched up high in the verdant, but steep, mountain range that divides northern Guatemala from southern Mexico. Many … [Read more...]
A Fairy-Tale Existence
August 18, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
The mention of a fairy-tale life conjures up visions of glittering castles and beautiful princesses being swept away to a happily-ever-after by charming princes on white stallions. In my youth, I dreamed, as many girls do, that such a perfect life might be in my future. As the years went by, … [Read more...]
THE GREAT ENTRANCE, GUATEMALAN STYLE
August 6, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
THE GREAT ENTRANCE, GUATEMALAN STYLE Father John Chakos How important is it for a bishop to visit his flock in Guatemala? I was soon to find out with our visit to the parish of Todos Los Santos (All Saints) in Cuchumatan. In a welcome, not unlike that given to Jesus on Palm Sunday, we were … [Read more...]
COMING ATTRACTIONS!
July 29, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Coming soon, to this blogspot near you -- the long awaited, much anticipated chronicle of Fr. John's travels to the highland villages with Metropolitan Athenagoras, complete with dramatic photos. Stay tuned for the premier episode. Coming soon! … [Read more...]
Shop Till You Drop
July 23, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
While staying at the orphanage in Guatemala City, I was able to access a variety of stores to supply the needs of my sewing classes. My shopping buddy was usually Señora Irene, one of the capable ladies who organize things at the orphanage. Whatever I needed, Señora Irene knew where to get it. My … [Read more...]
Spicy Contrasts
July 20, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
As mentioned in my previous post, Fr. John, Angel, and I made the 3-hour trek from the noisy congestion of Guatemala City to the peaceful, rural environs of Nueva Concepcion. We would be staying at a beautiful compound with a group of 15 older boys from the orphanage and a few Orthodox monks and … [Read more...]
OCMC Team
July 20, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
I apologize, dear Readers, that my blog has been neglected for many days. Sporadic Internet connections, coupled with my limited technical skills, have interfered with my blogging. There are photos and information that will be posted as soon as I get some help. Until recently, I had been working in … [Read more...]
Going Buggy
July 2, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
This entry in my blog will not be inspirational. It is written, instead, as an advisory to any aspiring missionaries in my readership. My advice is this: when venturing into a new environment, be prepared to give nurture and sustenance, not only to the people in the mission field, but also to the … [Read more...]
